THE STRONG TABLE / TRAINING PROGRAMSAll adults · Home · All levels

MAINTENANCE / 3 DAYS PER WEEK / ABOUT 35 MINUTES

The balanced week

Strength, cardio and mobility in one weekly rhythm.

Different qualities need different sessions, and a flexible schedule supports consistency.

Schedule3 days each weekTypical sessionAbout 35 minutesEquipmentHomeStarting levelAll levelsIntended audienceAll adults

Your weekly sessions

SESSION 1 / Get a full session with a small kit.

Dumbbell A / full body

Get a full session with a small kit.

  1. Goblet squat — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Quadriceps with glute support. Sit between the hips and stand through the whole foot.

  2. Dumbbell Romanian deadlift — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Hamstrings and posterior chain. Keep weights close and shift hips back with a long spine.

  3. Dumbbell floor press — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Pectoralis major, anterior deltoids and triceps. With elbows near the floor, press weights upward over your chest and lower slowly.

  4. One-arm dumbbell row — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps per side

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Brace your free hand and pull elbow toward the hip.

  5. Suitcase carry — 1–3 × 20–30 sec with stable posture

    Abdominals, obliques and trunk stabilizers. Walk with one weight while keeping shoulders level.

SESSION 2 / Keep activity comfortable while giving hard work time to settle.

Recovery / easy movement

Keep activity comfortable while giving hard work time to settle.

  1. Brisk walk intervals — Start with 10–20 min at a conversational pace; build gradually

    Heart, lungs and working leg muscles. Alternate a comfortable pace with a faster pace that still allows conversation.

  2. Open book rotation — 1–2 gentle rounds of 5–8 reps; do not force range

    Joint control and comfortable range of motion. Lie on your side and gently rotate your upper back while following your hand.

  3. Ankle rock — 1–2 gentle rounds of 5–8 reps; do not force range

    Joint control and comfortable range of motion. With heel down, gently move knee forward over toes and return.

  4. Wall slide — 1–2 gentle rounds of 5–8 reps; do not force range

    Joint control and comfortable range of motion. Slide arms upward on a wall through a comfortable range while keeping ribs relaxed.

  5. Single-leg balance reach — Beside stable support: 1–2 rounds of 3 gentle reaches per side

    Hip and ankle stabilizers; balance control. Reach the free foot to three points slowly.

SESSION 3 / Alternate the angles and keep sessions fresh.

Dumbbell B / full body

Alternate the angles and keep sessions fresh.

  1. Supported split squat — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps per side

    Quadriceps and glutes; hip stabilizers assist. Use a wall or rail for balance; lower vertically and press through the front foot.

  2. Glute bridge — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Gluteus maximus and hamstrings. Press through feet and raise hips without over-arching your lower back.

  3. Dumbbell overhead press — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps

    Deltoids and upper-back stabilizers. Press upward with ribs stacked over pelvis.

  4. One-arm dumbbell row — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps per side

    Lats, rhomboids, mid-back and biceps. Brace your free hand and pull elbow toward the hip.

  5. Single-leg calf raise — 2–3 × 8–12 controlled reps per side

    Gastrocnemius and soleus. Use balance support and move through a comfortable range.

How to progress

Weeks 1–2: establish rhythm. Weeks 3–5: add easy aerobic time. Weeks 6–8: progress a strength movement.

Recovery and weekly placement

Leave an easier day between demanding sessions for the same muscles. Adjust the number of sets to your current capacity.

Continue building your plan

Use the exercise library to review technique, then explore sport guides, recipes and planning tools to fit the week around your life.

Open the training builderFind sport-specific trainingBrowse free recipesRead the evidence reviews

General fitness education. Choose loads and ranges that match your ability. This program is not individualized medical care and does not guarantee a particular result.

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